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As a medical doctor/registered nurse practitioner team, we
received conventional medical training at university hospitals
while getting our degrees. Since that time, however, we have
explored various ; this is not alternative methods of healing
to replace our education, but as a supplement and as an
additional tool in the medical woodshed. Before you say this
is all a bunch of hooey, take a look at any conventional
medical text from 100 years ago.
Essential Oils: Tried and True
All the old-time standard medical books refer to , herbs, and all sorts of treatments involving essential oils
the use of natural substances. What was conventional medicine then is considered alternative medicine
now. You have to expect that a major disaster will limit (or eliminate) your access to pharmaceuticals;
therefore, you should be well acquainted with other means of keeping your people healthy.
One class of alternative remedies that are commonly used is Essential Oils. These substances are called
“essential” because they capture the “essence” of the plant. Unlike cooking oils, such as olive or corn,
these oils are less fixed and more volatile. That means that they tend to evaporate easily, unlike the
“fixed” oils, which don’t evaporate even in high temperatures. As such, essential oils are popular in
aromatherapy.
Although you might not realize it, you’ve been using essential oils all your life. You’ve no doubt used them
in soaps, furniture polishes, perfumes and ointments. Although it only takes a few leaves of peppermint to
make a tea, it takes 5 pounds of leaves to make 1 ounce of essential oil. One source states that it takes
an entire acre of peppermint to produce just 12 pounds. The same source says that 12,000 rose
blossoms are required to produce a tablespoon of rose oil! These concentrated versions are the ones you
see marketed in small, dark bottles.
You might be surprised to learn that the Food and Drug Administration only requires 10% essential oil in
the bottle to be considered “Pure Essential Oil”. Beware of claims of FDA certification; the FDA has no
certification or approval process for these products.
Where Do Essential Oils Come From in Plants?
Essential oils are produced by plants to serve as either an attractant to pollinator insects (hence their
strong fragrance) or as a repellant against invading organisms, from bacteria to animal predators. These
substances usually contain multiple chemical compounds, making each plant’s essential oil unique. Oils
may be produced by leaves, bark, flowers, resin, fruit or roots. For example, Lemon oil comes from the
peel, Lavender oil from flowers, and Cinnamon oil from bark. Some plants are sources of more than one
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steaminhalation
essential oil, dependent on the part processed. Some plant materials produce a great deal of oil; others
produce very little. The strength or quality of the oil is dependent on multiple factors, including soil
conditions, time of year, sub-species of plant, and even the time of day the plant is harvested.
The manufacture of essential oils, known as “extraction”, can be achieved by various methods:
Distillation Method: Using a “still” like old-time moonshiners, water is boiled through an amount
of plant material to produce a steam that travels through cooled coils. This steam condenses into a
“mixture” of oil and water (which doesn’t really mix) from which the oil can be extracted.
Pressing Method: The oils of citrus fruit can be isolated by a technique which involves putting
the peels through a “press”. This works best only with the oiliest of plant materials, such as orange
skins.
Maceration Method: a fixed oil (sometimes called a “carrier” oil) or lard may be combined with
the plant part and exposed to the sun over time, causing the fixed oil to become infused with the
plant “essence”. Oftentimes, a heat source is used to move the process along. The plant material
may be added several times during the process to manufacture a stronger oil. This is the method by
which you obtain products such as “garlic-infused olive oil”. A similar process using flowers is
referred to as “Enfleurage”.
Solvent Method: Alcohol and other solvents may be used on some plant parts, usually flowers, to
release the essential oil in a multi-step process.
As each essential oil has different chemical compounds in it, it stands to reason that the medicinal
benefits of each are also different. As such, an entire alternative medical discipline has developed to find
the appropriate oil for the condition that needs treatment. The method of administration may differ, as
well. Common methods include:
1) Inhalation Therapy: This method is also known as
“aromatherapy”. Add a few drops of the essential oil in a bowl of
steaming water (distilled or sterilized), and inhale. This method is
most effective when placing a towel over your head to catch the
vapors. Many people will place essential oils in potpourri or use a
“diffuser” to spread the aroma throughout the room; this technique
probably dilutes any medicinal effects, however.
2) Topical Application: The skin is an amazing absorbent surface,
and using essential oils by direct application is a popular method
of administration. The oil may be used as part of a massage, or directly placed on the skin to achieve a
therapeutic effect on a rash or muscle. Before considering using an essential oil in this manner, always
test for allergic reactions beforehand. Even though the chemical compounds in the oil are natural, that
doesn’t mean that they couldn’t have an adverse effect on you (case in point: poison ivy).
A simple test involves placing a couple of drops on the inside of your forearm with a cotton applicator.
Within 12-24 hours, you’ll notice a rash developing if you’re allergic. Mixing some of the essential oil with
a fixed or “carrier” oil such as olive oil before use is a safer option for topical use. Another concern, mostly
with topically-applied citrus oils, is “phototoxicity” (an exaggerated burn response to sun exposure).
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EssentialOilsZinc
I have some reservations about whether applying an essential oil on the skin over a deep organ, such as
the pancreas, will really have any specific effect on that organ. It is much more likely to work, however, on
the skin itself or underlying muscle tissue.
3) Ingestion: Direct ingestion is unwise for many essential oils, and this method should be used with
caution. Most internal uses of an essential oil should be of a very small amount diluted in at least a
tablespoon of a fixed oil such as olive oil. Professional guidance is imperative when considering this
method. You can always consider a tea made with the herb as an alternative. This is a safer mode of
internal use, although the effect may not be as strong.
Essential oils have been used as medical treatment for a very long time, but it’s difficult to provide
definitive evidence of their effectiveness for several reasons. Essential oils are difficult to standardize,
due to variance in the quality of the product based on soil conditions, time of year, and other factors that
we mentioned above. An essential Eucalyptus oil may be obtained from Eucalyptus Globulus or
Eucalyptus Radiata, for example, and have differing properties as a result. These factors combine to
make scientific study problematic.
In most university experiments, a major effort is made to be certain that the substance tested caused the
results obtained. As essential oils have a number of different chemicals and are often marketed as
blends, which ingredient was the cause of the effect? If the oil is applied with massage, was the effect
related to the oil itself or the therapeutic benefit of the physical therapy?
The majority of studies on essential oils have been conducted by the cosmetics and food industries; some
have been conducted by individuals or small companies. Standard studies for medicinal benefit are
usually performed by the pharmaceutical industry, but they generally have little interest in herbal
products. This is because they have few options in patenting these products. Therefore, serious funding
is hard to find because of the limited profit potential. Despite this, essential oils have various reported
beneficial effects, mainly based on their historical use on many thousands of patients by alternative
healers. Although there are many essential oils, a number of them are considered mainstays of any
herbal medicine cabinet. Here are just some:
Lavender Oil: An analgesic (pain reliever), antiseptic, and immune stimulant. It is
thought to be good for skin care and to promote healing, especially in burns, bruises,
scrapes, acne, rashes and bug bites. Lavender has a calming effect, and is used for
insomnia, stress and depression. It has been reported effective as a decongestant
through steam inhalation. Lavender oil may have use as an antifungal agent, and may
be used for Athlete’s foot or other related conditions.
Eucalyptus Oil: An antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant (also an excellent insect repellent), Eucalyptus
oil has a “cooling” effect on skin. It also aids with respiratory issues and is thought to boost the immune
system. Consider its use for flus, colds, sore throats, coughs, sinusitis, bronchitis, and hay fever. When
exposure is expected, it has been reported to have a preventative effect. Eucalyptus may be used in
massages, steam inhalation, and as a bath additive. Although eucalyptus oil has been used in cough
medicine, it is likely greatly diluted and should not be otherwise ingested in pure form.
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Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oil: Diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut, Tea Tree oil may be good for athlete’s
foot, acne, skin wounds, and even insect bites. In the garden, Tea Tree oil is a reasonable organic
method of pest control. In inhalation therapy, it is reported to help relieve respiratory congestion. Studies
have been performed which find it effective against both Staphylococcus and fungal infections. Some
even recommend a few drops in a pint of water for use as a vaginal douche to treat yeast. Tea Tree oil
may be toxic if used in high concentrations, around sensitive areas like the eyes, or ingested.
Peppermint Oil: This oil is said to have various therapeutic effects: antiseptic, antibacterial, decongestant,
and anti-emetic (stops vomiting). Peppermint oil is applied directly to the abdomen when used for
digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and abdominal cramping. Some
herbalists prescribe Peppermint for headache; massage a drop or two to the temples as needed. For
sudden abdominal conditions, achy muscles or painful joints, massage the diluted oil externally onto the
affected area. As mentioned previously, definitive proof of topical application effects on deep organs is
difficult to find.
Lemon Oil: Used for many years as a surface disinfectant, it is often found in furniture cleaners. Many
seem to think that this disinfecting action makes it good for sterilizing water, but there is no evidence that it
is as effective as any of the standard methods of doing so, such as boiling. Lemon oil is thought to have
a calming effect; some businesses claim to have better results from their employees when they use it as
aromatherapy. Don’t apply this oil on the skin if you will be exposed to the sun that day, due to possible
phototoxicity.
Clove Oil: Although thought to have multiple uses as an anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, and
sedative, Clove oil particularly shines as an anesthetic and antimicrobial. It is marketed as “Eugenol” to
dentists throughout the world as a natural pain killer for toothaches. A toothpaste can be made by
combining clove oil and baking soda; when mixed with zinc oxide powder, it makes an excellent temporary
cement for lost fillings and loose crowns. Use Clove oil with caution, as it may have an irritant effect on the
gums if too much is applied.
Arnica Oil: Arnica oil is used as a topical agent for muscle injuries and aches. Thought to be analgesic
and anti-inflammatory, it is found in a number of sports ointments. As a personal aside, I have tested this
oil on myself, and found it to be effective though not very long lasting. Frequent application would be
needed for long term relief. Although some essential oils are excellent as aromatherapy, Arnica oil is toxic
if inhaled.
Chamomile Oil: There are at least two versions of Chamomile oil, Roman and German. Roman
Chamomile is a watery oil, while German Chamomile seems more viscous. Both are used to treat skin
conditions such as eczema as well as irritations due to allergies. Chamomile oil is thought to decrease
gastrointestinal inflammation and irritation, and is thought have a calming effect as aromatherapy,
especially in children.
Geranium Oil: Although variable in its effects based on the species of plant used, Geranium oil is reported
to inhibit the production of sebum in the skin, and may be helpful in controlling acne. Some believe that it
also may have hemostatic (blood-clotting) properties, and is often recommended for bleeding from small
cuts and bruising. When a small amount of oil is diluted in shampoo, it may be considered a treatment for
head lice.
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Helichrysum Oil: Thought to be a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory, Helichrysum is used to treat
arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia as part of massage therapy. It has also
been offered as a treatment for chronic skin irritation.
Rosemary Oil: Represented as having multiple uses as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic,
Rosemary oil is proven to control spider mites in gardens. Use a few drops with water for a disinfectant
mouthwash. Inhalation, either cold or steamed, may relieve congested or constricted respiration. Mixed
with a carrier oil, it is used to treat tension headaches and muscle aches.
Clary Sage Oil: One of the various chemical constituents of Clary Sage has a composition similar to
estrogen, and has been used to treat menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, and other
hormonal issues. It is also believed to have a mild anticoagulant effect, and may have some use as a
blood thinner. Clary Sage also is thought to have some sedative effect, and has been used as a calming
agent.
Neem Oil: With over 150 chemical ingredients, the Neem tree is referred as “the village pharmacy” in its
native India. The majority of Ayurvedic alternative remedies have some form of Neem oil in them. Proven
as a natural organic pesticide, we personally use Neem Oil in our vegetable garden. Reported medicinal
benefits are too numerous to list here and seem to cover just about every organ system. It should be
noted, however, that it may be toxic when the oil is taken internally.
Wintergreen Oil: A source of natural salicylates, Wintergreen oil is a proven anticoagulant and analgesic.
About 1 fluid ounce of Wintergreen Oil is the equivalent of 171 aspirin tablets if ingested, so use very
small amounts. It may also have beneficial effects on intestinal spasms and might reduce blood pressure
in hypertensives.
Frankincense Oil: One of the earliest documented essential oils, evidence of its use goes back 5000
years to ancient Egypt. Catholics will recognize it as the incense used during religious ceremonies.
Studies from Johns Hopkins and Hebrew Universities state that Frankincense relieves anxiety and
depression in mice (how, exactly, was this determined?). Direct application of the oil may have
antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is thought to be helpful for wound healing. As a cold or steam
inhalant, it is sometimes used for lung and nasal congestion.
Blue Tansy Oil: Helpful as a companion plant for organic pest control, Blue Tansy is sometimes planted
along with potatoes and other vegetables. The oil has been used for years to treat intestinal worms and
other parasites. One of its constituents, Camphor, is used in medicinal chest rubs and ointments. In the
past, it has been used in certain dental procedures as an antibacterial.
Oregano Oil: An antiseptic, oregano oil has been used in the past as an antibacterial agent. It should be
noted that Oregano oil is derived from a different species of the plant than the Oregano used in cooking.
One of the minority of essential oils that are safe to ingest, it is thought to be helpful in calming stomach
upset, and may help relieve sore throats. Its antibacterial action leads some to use the oil in topical
applications on skin infections when diluted with a carrier oil. Oregano Oil may reduce the body’s ability to
absorb iron, so consider an iron supplement if you use this regularly.
Thyme Oil: Reported to have significant antimicrobial action, diluted Thyme oil is used to cure skin
infections, and may be helpful for ringworm and athlete’s foot. Thyme is sometimes used to reduce
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intestinal cramps in massage therapy. As inhalation therapy, it may loosen congestion from upper
respiratory infections.
Many essential oils are marketed as blends, such as “Thieves’ Oil”. This is a combination of clove, lemon,
cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. Touted to treat a broad variety of ailments,
studies at Weber State University indicate a good success rate in killing airborne viruses and bacteria. Of
course, the more elements in the mixture, the higher chance for adverse reactions, such as phototoxicity.
Some important caveats to the above list should be stated here. Most of the essential oils listed are
unsafe to use in pregnancy, and may even cause miscarriage. Also, allergic reactions to essential oils,
especially on the skin, are not uncommon; use the allergy test I described earlier before starting regular
topical applications. Even though essential oils are natural substances, they may interact with medicines
that you may regularly take or have adverse effects on chronic illness such as liver disease, epilepsy or
high blood pressure. Thorough research is required to determine whether a particular essential oil is safe
for you.
Having said that, essential oils are a viable option for many conditions. Anyone interested in maintaining
their family’s well-being should regard them as just another weapon in the medical arsenal. Learn about
them with an open mind, but maintain a healthy skepticism about “cure-all” claims.
Dr. Bones
Nurse Amy’s essential oil pack with zinc oxide powder (for temporary dental fillings!):
http://store.doomandbloom.net/products/essential-oil-4-pack-with-zinc-oxide.html
You want to look for pure essential oils, a couple companies offer these that I use is NOW,
and Aura Cacia, Aura cacia being I believe to be a higher quality. These are pure, and
un-diluted oils. Carrier oils refers to an oil like Olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Grape seed oil ect.
That you blend with the essential oils to dilute them. Pure essential oils are extremely powerful
used just by themselves, and adding a carrier oil is a safer and more gentler way to utilize their
properties. You don’t want to purchase an oil that’s synthetic, or blended, as most often than
not their derived from chemicals not plant material.